Stolen server has little impact on other firms

County workers among few locally to receive letter about compromised personal data.

County workers among few locally to receive letter about compromised personal data.

June 30, 2006|JAMIE LOO Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- The stolen computer with personal information that may affect some St. Joseph County employees has had a minimal impact on other groups associated with the former Healthcare Resources Group. Earlier this week, some St. Joseph County employees received letters from a company called Medical Excess about "a recent theft that might concern personal information about you." The letter said a file server with names and Social Security numbers was stolen from a Midwest regional office March 31. The company, which is a medical underwriter for American International Group Inc., said it has no confirmation that the data stolen has been compromised. Tom Borowski, county director of human resources, said Wednesday that although the county has never done business with Medical Excess, the county's former third-party administrator, Healthcare Resources Group, may have solicited quotes for the county's excess medical insurance coverage. Borowski sent a memo to all county employees Thursday asking employees who received the letter not to panic and to be generally aware of personal financial and credit reports. Healthcare Resources Group, a third-party administrator for health insurance, also handled claims for the city of South Bend, Memorial Health System and AM General. The company went out of business in 2005. Catherine Fanello, city controller, said no city employees have contacted her office about receiving the Medical Excess letter. Fanello said any employee who receives the letter should make a copy of it and report it to the controller's office. AM General spokesman Lee Woodward said only a small number of employees have reported receiving the letter. Woodward said AM General is aware of the situation and is monitoring it. Ruth Linster, spokeswoman for Memorial Health System, said no employees at Memorial have reported receiving the Medical Excess letter. Staff writer Jamie Loo: jloo@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6337